Just got mine yesterday, a TB MR SE. Inventories in the midwest are dwindling, so I wanted to act sooner rather than later.

I haven't pushed the IX yet, but even driving it with restraint is incredible. A big step up in performance from my last car, an IS300. I've learned a lot from this board so I thought I'd give a little back by posting some pics and sharing my excitement.

 

Wow congrats on the new ride, it is Gorgeous

 

congratz! I'm really happy for you. You're really lucky for owning it! I wish I had one

*Wishes the lottery would be won by his family.

 

Congrats any questions ask. Sometimes shifting thru all the search pages of evom can suck.

TB looks good.

 

Thanks for all your kind feedback, I appreciate it.

 

sweet same as mine..how much did you get it for? I got mine at base price at 31000..

 

sick car!! congrats

 

You beat me by about 2K . I would guess that the SF market is much more competitive (i.e. larger inventories, higher demand and lower prices) than Chicago/Milwaukee. Or maybe my negotiation skills suck

 

Wow looks Amazing!

 

I like the transition from the IS300 to the Evo. It all depends on what your criteria is. For me, the IS300 was a fun ride with great handling and quality, but after some time you begin to crave something more powerful. I love the I-6 engine - it's power comes on very smoothly. However, stock it is an underpowered car with only 215 HP stock and 218 lbs/ft of torque. While I'm no expert, the IS300 is relatively easy to mod to get those numbers up much higher. Of course, in that sense it can't match the IX, not even close.

I'd say the IS300 strong points include: good handling and suspension, very good brakes, outstanding build quality and reliability, great appearance (subjective, but I love the looks of the IS300, even better than the 250 and 350) and sporty seats and cool chronograph-like instrument cluster.

However, a stock IS300 is underpowered, the paint is surprisingly easy to chip (why I had a silver one, but of course it's no worse than the Evo's paint quality), the IS300 sucks in the snow with RWD - even with snow tires. As you approach the car's handling limits, its understeer is frustrating. And believe it or not, some people complain about the interior noise, but that must be in comparison to other Lexus models, because I thought it was minimal and actually wanted to hear the engine noise more.

The Evo is a huge step up of course. A stock IS300 can't touch its power, handling, suspension, responsiveness, and on many many other points of comparison. The sound of the turbo spool on the IX is so satisfying and fun. I actually like the appearance of the IX much better than the Lexus, but others may disagree.

Anyway, hope that my 'average guy' comparison helps. I think the IS300 is a great car with a lot of potential, but there's no going back for me now. I'll have the IX for a long, long time.

 

First of all Congrats. Secondly, Do the MR come standard with guages now ?

 

The IS300 motor has alot of potential, as it is like a little brother of the Supra motor. Whats crazy is, I forgot which company though, there is a supercharger for the IS300, that gives it a 100k warranty. Congrats on the new car, your gonna enjoy it.

 

mmmm nice! now time for *cough* mods!

search button is your friend

 

sweet ride man!

 

Yes, standard three-ring "turbo boost gauge kit" located in the center stack includes boost, voltage and oil pressure gauges.